The Southeastern Conference's new network debuts Thursday, promising more than 1,000 live events this year and a reach that includes most major television providers.

The network will be welcomed by millions of fans of who can't get enough coverage of the most powerful conference in college sports, and SEC officials think it will increase revenue. Getting the network off the ground — with operations at 14 different campuses — wasn't easy or inexpensive.

Continue Reading Below

Some schools needed to build professional studios, upgrade technology and hire a video staff.

SEC associate commissioner for network relations Charlie Hussey says "a lot of our schools had done a good amount of work already in the infrastructure for this, while others had a little further along to go. But we'll be ready for launch day."